Why buyers stall

Whether your home has been on the market for a year or a week, having a potential buyer is exciting. Before you even put your home on the market, you and your agent have put in hours and hours of work preparing and marketing your home. So, once it seems like you might have a buyer, it is easy to get anxious over when things will become official. But it can take some time between a buyer unofficially expressing serious interest and actually taking over ownership, and stalls can happen at any point in the process. If you are looking at putting up Denver Colorado homes for sale, take a look at some common reasons why potential buyers may stall officially buying during this period:

They’re letting the decision settle

If you have been playing the real estate game for a while, it can be easy to forget what a big decision buying a home is. From the seller’s end, for the most part, as long as the financials look good, the decision to sell to a certain buyer is easy. But the buyer has to consider many different aspects of the home, the financials, and yes, even the seller. Especially if they are first time home buyers, this life-altering decision can cause anxiety.
Letting the dust settle after initially considering the possibility of calling a home yours is common. While very motivated buyers may want to go full speed ahead, you may find that your right buyer needed a little more time to feel comfortable with the decision. This is “sleeping on it” in a broader sense of the term.

They’re still shopping around

This doesn’t mean that they’re totally unsure about your home. It could be that your potential buyers want to gather more information on the market, similar homes, and other data to make sure they’re getting the right deal. It’s like finding a great pair of shoes, but looking around anyway just to make sure there isn’t a similar pair out there for cheaper. Odds are, this is just confirming what they already know, and getting the reassurance that this is the right house for them might take a little more market scoping.

Not everything’s right

Your buyer may be stalling because the house isn’t exactly what they wanted. They could still be interested, however, because the totally perfect house is difficult to find, and many homeowners are open to compromising. Perhaps one member of a buying partnership has some misgivings. These types of buyers may stall because they are hoping for a price reduction or to motivate the seller to accept a lower offer, or they may just be taking their time considering a home that doesn’t have everything they wanted.

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.

Qualities of a bad neighbor

Bad neighbors can be a huge frustration for home owners. Whether you are buying or selling, you should take into account how your neighbors will affect your real estate experience. If you are selling, bad neighbors could scare off that perfect match. If you are buying, you don’t want to buy a house next to residents that you don’t think would be pleasant. Whether you selling or buying Denver Colorado homes for sale, keep these qualities of a bad neighbor in mind:

Close proximity

This may not always be a bother, but even the best neighbors can be a pain if their property is too close to yours. You may have to deal with common issues of close neighbors—dogs getting into each other’s yards, tree branches growing over fences and dropping leaves into the other’s yard, or perhaps just being so close that you can hear even the lowest of conversations. This can be even more difficult to deal with if your neighbor is “bad” in the social sense, as in impolite, antagonistic, or any other quality you wouldn’t seek out in a companion.

Intrusiveness

This would be proximity in the social sense, or perhaps a lack of privacy. If you neighbor’s yard has a clear view of your yard, windows, or other elements, then you should hope that neighbor isn’t also nosy. Even if they are respectful of your privacy, it may be irritating relaxing in your yard knowing that you don’t have total privacy. If they aren’t respectful of your privacy, well, then you might consider getting some nice blinds.

The other type of intrusiveness may come from neighbors that may feel overly friendly. Some neighbors may not realize how often is appropriate to drop by for a chat or to wave down your car for a word as you pull in your driveway. Even if you like them personally, too much interaction can feel a bit smothering if you live next door to someone, and communicating this could cause future resentment. The major problem here is that if someone is intrusive, it’s impossible to avoid if that person lives right next door.

Noisiness

This is perhaps one of the major complaints of homeowners concerning their neighbors. Sure, you can call the authorities for when things get too loud, but this noisiness may not always be a clear cut house party. It could be a dog that barks intermittently or some occasional but very loud banging as they drag out their trash cans. If this type of noise is exorbitant, it can be hard to stop.

Untidiness

If your neighbors have an untidy lawn, this depreciates the look of your own property. You don’t want to take meticulous care of your perfectly manicured lawn only for the aesthetics to be ruined by that untidy neighbor.

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.

Part II: The types of showing comments that home sellers should expect

Comments from prospective buyers can be incredibly helpful, whether it’s to communicate their interest or how the home could show better in the future. There are certain types of comments that sellers should expect, and certain measures they can take to improve their home showing ability. Some comments that sellers can expect after showings, and what they can do about them:

“The neighbors are too close/loud/visible.”

The problem: After taking a close look at your property, your potential buyer may comment that the neighbors are an issue. The buyers may not like how close the neighbor’s home is to their property, how much they can see into the neighbor’s property or vice versa, or they may have gotten the impression that the neighbors were loud or otherwise rowdy. For many buyers, this would be difficult to deal with.

The solution: You know you can’t control the behavior of your neighbors, but if you’re getting too many comments from showings that the neighbors are an issue, you can take measures to prevent this feeling. Install a fence or hedges that give more privacy. If you are having problems with noise and similar behavior, however, this can get tricky. You can try to politely talk to the neighbors about problems with their dogs or noise levels, which is likely to go better with a plate of cookies or muffin basket. You shouldn’t say, “. . . because I’m trying to sell my home,” however, because you don’t want this to be a continued problem once the new owners move in. If this doesn’t work, and the neighbors pose a significant noise problem or similar issue that could be easily fixed, you could consider issuing a complaint to the homeowners association or local police if they have the authority to help.

“We don’t want a (main home feature)”

The problem: the issue here is that this comment may be confusing for hopeful sellers. Don’t be surprised if a buyer takes a look at your home, knowing the home’s features, and then says that they aren’t interested in a pool or two stories. The seller may wonder why this potential buyer wasted their time looking at a home with two bathrooms if they are looking for three.

The solution: Understand that just because a seller wants a certain feature, or lack of a feature, doesn’t mean that it is a deal breaker. The buyer may be curious whether the home has other redeeming qualities that are more important to them, or how easy it would be to remodel or otherwise fix things when buying Denver Colorado homes for sale.

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.

Finding the right agent for you

Read reviews, talk with former clients and get referrals. What former clients have to say about the service they received while working with the agent is a great insight on how the agent handles customers. You want someone who will be diligent about calling you back and will show you the kinds of property you are asking for. Agents, much like artists have portfolios. They should be able to show you houses they have listed and sold. Ask what kind of margins they usually deal with. Find out what the listing price for the property and what it sold for.

Many different agents specialize in several different things, anywhere from upscale homes to short sales on houses that are foreclosing. It is important that the agent you choose be very familiar with the type of property and sale you’re looking for or trying to sell. Just like a lawyer or restaurant, an agent or broker has to be licensed in the state he/she practices real estate in. Your state’s regulatory board can tell you whether or not the person you are working with is licensed and if they have a clean discipline record. The longer an agent has been in business the more experience he/she can offer. It’s not rude to ask how long your agent has been licensed. Your agent should be qualified to give you the service you require. Make sure they have experience buying or selling the type of property you are interested in.

Aside from getting a real estate license agents can be additionally certified. CRS (Certified Residential Specialist): Completed additional training in handling residential real estate. ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative): Completed additional education in representing buyers in a transaction. SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist): Completed training aimed at helping buyers and sellers in the 50-plus age range. If the agent uses a capital “R,” that means he’s a member of the National Association of Realtors.

When house shopping it is important that you do your research too. And that means finding the agent who is most qualified to find you the house in the area and price range you desire or to find a buyer to purchase your house at the price you are asking.A good agent knows the market you’re looking into and should be knowledgable about other properties in the same area that have sold around the price you’re asking.Knowledge is power, and knowing what to look for in a real estate agent will give you the power to find your dream home when it comes to Denver Colorado homes for sale.

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.

The challenges of putting a home up for sale by-owner

Many homeowners consider selling their home without the help of a listing agent. While this may work out for some, the truth is that these successful sales occur mostly because the owner in depth experience with real estate. Sellers like this idea because they think it will save them money, but the truth is that complications due to inexperience may end up costing the seller more in the end. Consider these challenges before deciding to sell your home by-owner:

Buyers could be scared off

While not every buyer will be scared off by a For Sale By Owner sign, some may prefer looking in to a home sale managed by a professional, especially if they are new to home buying. They may feel tentative about working with the owner of the house rather than a skilled real estate professional, who are generally expected to be warm and approachable. Even if you are pleasant and social, buyers often prefer working with someone who is in a professional mode. Buyers are also more inclined to trust listing agents, as they not only are more knowledgeable from experience but are typically perceived to be truthful, as their ethics and possible legal consequences will follow them throughout their career.

When buyers look at the owners, however, they tend to think that the owner may not know enough about their house or leave out important details in order to make the sale and move on. Buyers know that agents thrive off of building their network, and so it is essential to make a good impression in order to stir up business in the future. Also, it’s not uncommon for a buyer to ask themselves, “Why didn’t they hire an agent?” The assumption could be that the owner is difficult to work with.

The buying agent may prefer working with listing agents

Buying agents may also be more enthusiastic about a home listed through an agent. It is often easier for them to work with another agent rather than the comparatively inexperienced owner. The buying agent may also be concerned that because the owner does not have an agent, they will be required to pick up the slack in order to make their clients happy, doing the work of two agents for one agent’s commission. Sellers often underestimate how many tasks the agent takes on, such as working with the prospective buyer’s lender or evaluating appraisals and inspections. When listing Denver Colorado homes for sale , it could be easier in the end to hire a real estate agent.

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.

More home features commonly overlooked by buyers

Prospective buyers often have a checklist of home features they’re looking for. However, there are certain features that are important but frequently overlooked. Make sure you’re not forgetting about these home features when looking for you dream home:

Surrounding properties

You will want to take a close look not only at your lot but at the surrounding lots as well. How close are your neighbors? If privacy is important to you, look at whether a neighbor’s proximity is a concern. It may be an easy fix such as hedges or a fence, but you don’t want to wait until you move in to find out that a neighbor has a good view of your backyard or windows. Even empty lots can cause issues—while some owners may think of an empty lot next to them as an asset, thinking they’d like not having another house close to them or that the space gives kids extra room to play. Unless you also buy the empty lot next door, a new home could be built there soon, meaning you would have to deal with construction noise and then neighbors. You should also take a look at the lot’s zoning information to see if it is possible that a commercial property could be built there. Also, if you love a home’s views, make sure there isn’t any land for sale in between you home and the golf course, lake, or other attraction that could result in an obstruction of this view.

The commute

Many prospective buyers take into account their commute when looking for a home. However, it is important not to just go by an estimate for how long the commute will take. Take a look at what your route looks like at your travel times. You may find that you underestimated how many delays traffic will bring or that the afternoon commute is much more congested than the morning commute. Also, take in to account whether there are schools close by—morning school traffic can be hectic and may occur at the exact time you’d like to be on the road.

Air conditioning and vacuum systems

Especially if you are new to a geographic area, make sure you know what you’re getting when it comes to air conditioning, heating, and ventilation. If you have bad allergies, a home’s ventilation may be a concern. Not all homes have air conditioning or heating. Also, since many people prefer portable vacuums, a home may not have a central vacuum system.

Old appliances

While a house does not have to have all new appliances, a house with a set of all older appliances may require a lot of expensive updating later on. You can expect to replace some appliances over the years, but if you start out with mostly outdated appliances, updating could get expensive and become a constant source of frustration as your appliances go out of order.

If you are looking at Denver Colorado homes for sale , don’t forget to include these commonly overlooked features on your list.

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.

Part II: Common reasons a home isn’t selling

For every home that’s on the market for longer than average, there’s a homeowner wondering why there’s no interest in their home. While this may depend on the market, many home sellers are guilty of common mistakes that delay a house from getting sold. If you’re looking for tips to gain more interest in your home, take a look at these common missteps:

You’re not marketing effectively

In order to even get prospective buyers to the curb, you’ve got to let them know there’s a house for sale. While there may be some interest sparked by passing traffic, homeowners will need to market their home in order to draw buyers in. Flyers and pamphlets can also be effective, but many home buyers are looking online for home sales and then picking up the flyers later. It is essential to give your home a web presence. You will need a strategy for effectively marketing online along with other methods. Real estate marketing strategies can be specific, as markets often vary at the local area. Even if you have some knowledge or experience concerning real estate, you may not be completely familiar with your community’s current market. Your home buying venture may be aided by the experience of a real estate agent from your area, meaning you’ve got someone on your side that knows what it takes to sell a home like yours. Or, prepare to do some research.

You’re not showing well

Once you get people in the door for a showing, you’ve still got a lot of work to do. Preparing a home for showings requires a specific type of interior design sometimes called staging. A stager looks at how to best showcase a house’s assets, making sure to get the most out of space and to have proper lighting. Some real estate agents can guide you through staging or you may even want to hire a stager. Your real estate agent or other expert will be able to point out that you may need to power wash or repaint an exterior and any other weak spots that you may not have even noticed. Living in a house for a bit may give home sellers a familiarity that makes spotting areas that need some work difficult. Fresh eyes will likely be able to give you great advice to help your home show better.

Your photos are unappealing

Online photos are commonly the first look prospective buyers will get at your home. You will want to get your home in show-worthy condition, meaning everything should be looking tidy and clean. Take pictures at good angles in order to best show off an area’s assets, and don’t forget the lighting. You may even consider hiring a professional photographer to take photos that will help catch the eye of potential buyers.

If you are looking at putting up Denver Colorado homes for sale, the expertise of an agent can help guide you through these common home selling mistakes.

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.

Common real estate myths, part II

Understanding the ins and outs of real estate takes a lot of time, and even then it’s difficult to know which advice to take. The world is swarmed with real estate advice, both from professionals and aficionados. It can be difficult to understand which advice is good or which advice is misinformed. Here are some more real estate myths to look out for:

For sale-by-owners don’t want to work with a buyer’s agent.

Some might tell you that those selling their house without the help of an agent don’t want to sell their house to someone who uses an agent. This is because both sides will likely save money. But, the truth is, many by-owners may feel intimidated by a buyer with an agent, as their experience may give them a leg up in the negotiation phase. However, many by-owners will understand that agents help the entire process run more smoothly and that the knowledge and experience of an agent is quite the advantage. Some sellers see buyers with an agent as more experienced or trustworthy

Agents will only show you properties that they or a colleague have listed.

The logic here is that agents want a home’s commission to go in their own pocket or in those of their own real estate group. While some real estate agents may do this, most experienced real estate agents know that it is in their advantage to show a variety of homes within a client’s specifications and homes that are truly right for them, regardless of which group represents the home. This is partly because this means a job well done and partly because their job depends on their networking contacts—if you’re happy with your home buying experience, you’re more likely to refer the agent to someone you know when they want to list their house or to use that agent again when you decide to sell or buy a new house. Referrals constantly bring agents new business, which they depend on. Good agents know that in order to bring in new business, they need to do the best job possible with the clients they have.

If you’re looking for Aurora real estate or homes in the Denver area, consider working with a PorchLight real estate agent to avoid these common mistakes. These experienced real estate agents will be able to offer you sound advice and ensure the best real estate experience. m

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.

Common real estate myths debunked

Real estate is complicated. There’s lots of advice flying around, and it’s difficult to sort through all this information. Unfortunately, many individuals end up misinformed or confused by the aspects of real estate. Take a look at these common real estate myths so that you don’t make these mistakes.

Putting down 20% on a house is the cheapest way to go.

Like many real estate issues, this depends on the home and the buyer’s finances. It is not a bad thing to put down a large down payment, but the reasoning behind this is typically that it is the cheapest option as far as lending goes—less debt and interest, a lower mortgage payment every month. But the reality is that it all depends on the lending package. You’ll find down payments of around 3.5% with Federal Housing Administration loans. Also, there are many options for getting cheap lending rates—if you have mortgage insurance, you could get a cheaper rate than even the guy who puts down 25% since lenders put more faith in a buyer that is covered if they default. If you’re after a cheap rate and low monthly payments, don’t assume that putting down a larger down payment is your only option.

It’s cheaper to buy or sell without the help of an agent.

It is true that going the home buying process or home selling process without an agent will save you the agent’s commission. But the reality is that this route requires a lot of time and effort from the individual, especially if they consider their time money. Buying or selling without an agent means that you will have to advertise, research, scour listings, manage showings, negotiate, and many other aspects all on your own. You are probably not as familiar with your area’s real estate market or really real estate in general as an agent will be, and you don’t have the network of an agent to draw from. No, it’s not impossible to buy or sell a home without an agent, but you can bet it will be frustrating. Without an agent, get ready to spend a lot of your free time doing market research and studying technical aspects of buying or selling a home. And even after you’ve found your home or buyer, there’s still a lot of work left that your agent will help you with, such as inspection and closing procedures. If you make a mistake on paperwork or in other technical aspects, you may end up paying more in the end than if you’d have hired an agent.

These common real estate myths illustrate just how complicated real estate can be. If you’re looking for Denver Colorado homes for sale, consider using the help of a PorchLight real estate agent to help you sort through these issues.

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.

Styles of Denver, Colorado homes for sale

Denver has a wide variety of home styles to choose from. Along with classic and contemporary styles, you’ll have a variety or historical architectures to choose from or even a unique converted home. Some of the styles you’ll find in Denver include:

Denver Square

This style is more broadly referred to as the American Four Square, but its popularity in Denver has earned these houses the name Denver Squares. It’s easy to recognize this classically American style—a square shape, usually with four windows spaced evenly along the front or sometimes with more windows placed evenly along the square front’s four sections. You’ll also have a front porch and an interior typically divided into four square rooms on each floor along with stairs leading up to the front porch.

Victorian

Victorian architecture gets its name from the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901, during which the style was popularized. The style is recognized as eclectic mix of classic styles and Asian and Middle Eastern elements with ornate detailing and pointed windows. In the United States, this style was largely popular from 1860-1900, the time that many existing homes in Denver were built. These American homes have steep gables and are built starting with the inside, meaning that the outside is a reflection of interior planning rather than being designed completely separately. The interior floor plans are often unique and unexpected, leaving visitors pleasantly surprised at the layout. Victorian homes are sometimes referred to as “American Gothic” because of the Gothic elements and often come in fun colors, usually of the pastel variety.

Queen Ann

The Queen Ann style is considered a Victorian style, but is marked by bolder color schemes and a more eclectic and asymmetric design. The name refers to a style of architecture popularized during the time of Queen Ann of England from 1702-1714, which was revived during the nineteenth century. The British version of this architectural style differs from the American version, which has a much wider range of homes, encompassing broader free Renaissance elements rather than the specific characteristics required of the British version. Some common elements of Queen Ann style homes include a wraparound porch, roofs with overhanging eaves, towers, Dutch-style gables, a variety of wall textures with eclectic designs, bay windows, and columns, among other elements.

Converted Industrial

In an urban area with so much character, you’ll find many condominiums, apartments, and other building types that have been converted from a factory or schoolhouse into residences. The idea of living in an old factory may require some getting used to, but once you see the modern updates, you’ll realize all the personality conversions have to offer.

If you’re looking for Denver Colorado homes for sale, with all these styles to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the home of your dreams.

About PorchLight Real Estate: PorchLight Real Estate Group has the most experienced and knowledgeable Denver real estate agents in Colorado. For more information about homes for sale in Denver CO or specific neighborhood homes please visit www.porchlightgroup.com.